Texas Red ants
Apr 13, 2019 12:17:26 #
I have been trying and failing to get even acceptable pictures of these nasty little critters. They are prolific, given a couple of years they can cover a yard in mounds.
Disturb their nest and they get really cranky, they bite hard.
They are not large, not much longer than the typical brown ant found up north.
The last picture is the butt end of an elm that was pruned from the yard, for growing really crooked. I like the end grain, it humors me.
Ken
Disturb their nest and they get really cranky, they bite hard.
They are not large, not much longer than the typical brown ant found up north.
The last picture is the butt end of an elm that was pruned from the yard, for growing really crooked. I like the end grain, it humors me.
Ken
Apr 13, 2019 12:25:34 #
the ant is sharp enough- put something down on the ground for them to crawl on to create contrast and your ants would pop.
Apr 13, 2019 12:53:42 #
I think, like suntouched, that a lighter background would make them easier to discern. You wouldn't be talking about the infamous fire ant, would you? I had many encounters with them doing yard work and my daughter was very reactive to any bites. Nasty invasive species.
Apr 13, 2019 12:55:47 #
LELON CUDE
Loc: Texas
We used to fight them constantly "all" of the time.. Learned how to get rid of them several years +- ago. Get some grits from your local grocery store, etc. & sprinkle them pretty much on & all around their mounds. The ants eat the grits, & the moisture in the ants body causes the grits to expand & it literally "explodes" the ants from the inside out. No worry about poison that your pets may eat or any thing like this. You have to keep your eyes peeled out for them in case some more decide to come for a visit again. Just do it again & this is MUCH cheaper & easier for you. Give it a try.
Thanks
Thanks
Apr 13, 2019 13:10:29 #
Yes, your suggestions are good and I will be trying them soon. The little critters are fast moving and prone to crawling up my pants leg, then biting the heck out of my leg. Your ideas will take some thought.
Feeding them grits , good idea.
Ken
Feeding them grits , good idea.
Ken
Apr 13, 2019 14:35:26 #
LELON CUDE
Loc: Texas
Their actual name is: "fire ants" & their bite is not very funny & in some rare instances, humans that are allergic to their bites/stings, have ended up in hospitals & some have lost their lives due to their stings, etc. Go to google & type in the name & they will tell you everything about them, habits, etc, etc.
Have a great day.
Lelon.
Have a great day.
Lelon.
Apr 13, 2019 15:39:14 #
Do a little research and you'll find that grits don't actually kill fire ants. They are difficult to get rid of and hard to photograph. They don't sit still for a nice portrait.
Apr 14, 2019 06:36:56 #
Yes they are terrible creatures. We lived in Texas for 3 years. I was bitten in 1983 and the only thing that saved me was living 1.5 miles from hospital. My BP was 50/0 but epinephrine is a miracle substance and I lived. We moved. I carry epinephrine all the time as I can be allergic now to bees.
They are hard to kill. I worked for a pesticide company and there was exhausted research being done all the time to try and get rid of them. One of the products was made with cornmeal. It was only the delivery system mixed with an insecticide. There is a fly/moth from where the “fire ant” is originally from that kills them. This insect is not native to the US just as the “fire ant” was not.
Be very vigilant as humans can become allergic to things any time.
They are hard to kill. I worked for a pesticide company and there was exhausted research being done all the time to try and get rid of them. One of the products was made with cornmeal. It was only the delivery system mixed with an insecticide. There is a fly/moth from where the “fire ant” is originally from that kills them. This insect is not native to the US just as the “fire ant” was not.
Be very vigilant as humans can become allergic to things any time.
Apr 14, 2019 10:50:36 #
Apr 14, 2019 11:11:38 #
spaghetti boy
Loc: EVERETT , WASHINGTON
when it floods they roll up in a ball and make for another day.
Apr 14, 2019 22:19:59 #
This is a picture of an imported fire ant. They do not bite but instead sting. There are only two ants
that are of concern regarding stings, the fire ant and the harvester ant. I worked in Texas for 24+ years for Terminix pest control and have my share of trying to control them.
that are of concern regarding stings, the fire ant and the harvester ant. I worked in Texas for 24+ years for Terminix pest control and have my share of trying to control them.
Apr 14, 2019 22:30:31 #
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